The Global Challenges Dissertation is one of a choice of two major pieces of independent study for students on the MSc in Global Development and MSc in Global Health Policy and Society. Designed to foster in-depth critical inquiry and interdisciplinary thinking. The course allows students to explore a contemporary global challenge of their own choosing. Through structured guidance and support, students will develop essential transferable skills, such as problem-solving, strategic time management, working to deadlines, and communicating research effectively. Where relevant, students will be encouraged to collaborate with organisations addressing global challenges, enriching their projects with real-world insights. Research proposal development begins in Semester 1, with supervisors assigned in Semester 2.

Students will attend four 90-minute seminars and a two-day Interdisciplinary Global Challenges Conference throughout the year. Seminars will include:

1) Global Challenges Dissertation and Independent Research Project Introductory Session and Employability Training (Semester 1);

2) Ethics (Semester 2);

3) What makes a good Global Challenges Dissertation? (Semester 2);

4) How to assess a Global Challenges Dissertation (Semester 2).

The Interdisciplinary Global Challenges Conference in Semester 3 will provide all students with an opportunity to showcase their research and emerging findings.

In addition, from February to August, students will normally meet with their supervisor on at least four occasions. These sessions, typically lasting 60 minutes, are designed to provide students with tailored guidance and support to ensure the successful completion of their research project.

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Students on the two associated MSc programmes will have a choice to register for a traditional Global Challenges Dissertation assessment track or a more authentic Global Challenges Independent Research Project assessment track (SPS5088P). They will be supported in making this choice by the Global Challenges Dissertation convenor by the end of Semester 1.

Students opting for the Global Challenges Dissertation will submit a 10,000-word dissertation (up to 12,000 for qualitative projects) (75%), and present their work as a poster at the Interdisciplinary Global Challenges Conference in Semester 3 (25%).

Please note that in consultation with their dissertation supervisors and the Global Challenges Dissertation convenor, students will be able to change assessment tracks up to week 40.

The Global Challenges Dissertation aims to provide students with a unique opportunity to conduct an original, in-depth piece of research on a global challenge that matters to them. Working under the guidance of an expert supervisor, students will design and conduct an original research study that builds on the themes and issues explored during their MSc coursework. The project enables students to develop independent research ideas and demonstrate original thought by applying relevant theories, concepts, and methodologies to address their own research questions. Students taking this course will be prepared for advanced research, study or professional careers through development of their critical understanding, knowledge and skills in data collection and analysis, use of original and secondary sources, the conduct and writing up of a detailed research project, and acquisition of broader professional skills to support them in their chosen future career.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Design and execute a substantial and focused research project using an appropriate and justified methodology.

■ Critically evaluate existing knowledge and theoretical frameworks through a comprehensive review of relevant literature.

■ Formulate clear, coherent and answerable research questions that address identified gaps in knowledge.

■ Collect, organize, and analyze relevant evidence using appropriate methods and techniques.

■ Synthesize findings to draw well-supported conclusions that add to existing knowledge and inform policy or practice.

■ Communicate research findings effectively through logically structured oral presentations and written reports.

■ Demonstrate and critically apply a range of professional skills relevant to their career aspirations.